BY FELIX M. RAMIREZ, D.O. – HOLLYWOOD
A
n uncommon form of chronic pain is known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) which typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. However, the pain associated does not correlate with the severity of the initial injury. This type of pain usually affects an arm or a leg. In cases of injury-related CRPS, the syndrome maybe caused by the immune system triggering a response which leads to swelling, redness, and warmth. Some believe that CRPS represents a disruption of the healing process. Although the cause of the pain is not understood and there is no cure, early treatment is recommended and found to be most effective. Many patients who undergo treatment see improvement and even go into remission. Complex regional pain syndrome is also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. The chronic pain condition occurs because high levels of nerve impulses are sent to an affected site. Some experts believe that CRPS is a result of a dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous systems. It’s been most common in people ages 20-35, and affects women more often than men. Complex regional pain syndrome signs and symptoms may change over time and vary upon individual. The most common occurrence is pain, swelling, redness, and hypersensitivity in temperature changes such as too cold to touch. An affected limb could become cold and pale over time, and the skin, hair, and nail may change as well along with muscle spasms and tightening. Unfortunately, if these changes occur, the condition is often permanent. Other symptoms may be the following: ▸▸ Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in your arm, leg, hand or foot ▸▸ Changes in skin color, which can range from white and mottled to red or blue ▸▸ Changes in skin texture, which may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area ▸▸ Joint stiffness and damage ▸▸ Weakness and loss (atrophy) ▸▸ Decreased ability to move the affected body part Occasionally, complex regional pain syndrome may spread from its source to elsewhere in the body, such as the opposite limb. Emotional stress has been known to also worsen the pain. If a person experiences severe and constant pain that affects a limb and makes touching or moving that limb seem intolerable, see a physician immediately to determine the cause and to start treating complex regional pain syndrome early. Felix M. Ramirez, D.O. has received extensive training in Pain Management, and always stays current with all new and up to date through many educational meetings throughout the year. He has been practicing Pain Management in the Pembroke Pines/Hollywood area for over fifteen years and he has been involved in drug research as well as procedure research studies. Interventional Pain Physicians of South Florida is located at 2301 N. University Drive, Suite 204, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. To schedule an appointment, please call (954) 447-0577.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
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